Author(s)

R.M. Shoucri

Abstract

The end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR) in the left ventricle is discussed with special attention to the way the active force of the myocardium is included in the mathematical formalism describing the mechanics of left ventricular contraction. Areas under ESPVR and different variables are expressed in terms ofE/e, (ventricular elastance/arterial elastance), the ratio E/e, is used to express the ventriculo-arterial coupling. Possible clinical applications are indicated. 1 Introduction The study of the pressure-volume relation (PVR) offers a global view of the performance of the left ventricle that includes several indices used to assess the pump function of the heart, like stroke volume, ejection fracti

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